Example: ‘I am given an animal to look after (usually somebody’s pet) while they are away on holiday. I then completely forget the animal, go away and when I return the animal is either dead or very dried up or has been got at by another animal and is in the throes of dying. When I wake from the dream I feel most dreadful and it is only when I am fully awake and realise it is not true do I feel better’ (Lynda E). Neglect , mutilation or killing our ‘animal’ is a common theme. Lynda’s feelings show how she senses what she is doing to her inner nature, but she dismisses this by convincing herself such feelings are not ‘true’. We have a responsibility to care for our animal drives, to see our sexual, nutritional and body needs are met. Eating the animal: integrating our natural wisdom and energy. Hiding from or trapped by^an animal: see wolf in this entry. Animal with its young: parental feelings; one’s basic childhood needs. Baby animal: oneself when young; baby feelings; desire for babies; see example in eating. Talking, shining , holy or wise animals: important intuitive information; a meeting with the gathered wisdom we have unconsciously. This is one of the sources of religious inspiration, and many older cultures represent their origin of great learning or holiness as animals or animal headed beings.
See Also: ape in this entry, birds; pets; reptiles, lizards and snakes; unconscious.
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